Today's Ribbon Cutting
Good morning! Here we are on January 7, 2013 -- a date-- that has been inscribed on my calendar for the past year as the ribbon cutting for the new Upper School building. I have been looking forward to this date for 14 months, and it is wonderful to share this experience with all of you.
Today, we welcome our students and faculty, friends, donors and parents, board members, civic officials, architects and contractors, school administrators and former and long-time Head of School Chuck Froelicher. I am so pleased you are all able to join us today. Mr. Froelicher sent me an email wishing us well on this day, and he remembered the opening of the previous Upper School in 1964. The school had invited Johns Hopkins President Milton Eisenhower (brother of President Ike) and Governor John Love. It was set to be a great and perfect day. Then, 48 hours before the dedication, Mr. Froelicher, who was living in the Welborn House, woke up at 1:00 a.m. to see an old army barrack that housed the arts department on fire about two hundred yards to the east of his home. Chuck rushed over to find the kayak coach and history instructor throwing kayaks out of the second floor onto the grass. They saved every kayak, no one got hurt, but the building burned to the ground. The event of the dedication went great. Dr. Eisenhower was so impressed, he joined the board of trustees as an Eastern Regional representative, and, as Chuck notes, had perfect attendance never attending a meeting.
Just as the dedication of the Knowles building in 1964 signaled a shift in the school’s growth – away from educational classes taught in World War II era Army barracks – our move into the new Upper School shows the school embracing new approaches. Be sure to check out the Innovation Lab on the far southeast corner of the building and you will get a sense of the great things to come.
We’re delighted to be opening this building ON TIME- it is exciting. Today, we move in, and students will spend the afternoon finding their way around. Certainly, in the weeks and months ahead as we live in this space, we will be shaped by it and give it life and form. As you walk in, you will see student art on the walls and this will be a place that will showcase our creativity. It will be exciting and a unique opportunity for all of us.
Anytime we gather as a school community, I think it is important that we frame our conversations around a learning experience. Students, I hope, in some very brief remarks, that I can impart something for each of you. I know you are anxious to get into the space, find your lockers and look around. But, allow me a moment to offer something of a lesson here.
If you followed the news at all over winter break, you were a witness to just one example of how tough it has become in this country for people to work together. But I offer as a different example the building you see behind me. A project like this takes an incredible amount of collaboration and conversation among many, many people. It takes all the people here coming together to share insights and ideas.
In 2011, we decided that we needed an updated space to better support the instruction in 21st century skills at CA -- a building that would provide a world-class environment for furthering students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We wanted a building that would allow Colorado Academy to be a true leader in independent school education.
We wanted a space that would be more reflective of the academic excellence that has always been an integral part of the CA experience. We began with two major donors who propelled us forward, and we were fortunate that others rose up quickly to meet this challenge. Within seven months, we had secured the funding to go forth with construction. And we took on another 7-month timeline in which to complete construction. I am so grateful for the support of our donor community, and I thank you for your trust in Colorado Academy.
To construct a building of this magnitude in just over half a year is nothing short of remarkable. It required incredible planning and engagement by a multitude of people -- many of whom are not directly connected to Colorado Academy. As I share this story, it's important to acknowledge many honored guests here today who have made this building possible. It could not have happened without the support from the City of Lakewood. Mayor Bob Murphy and City Manager Kathy Hodgson met with us early. Their staff: Chief Building Official Bill Clayton, Plans Examiner Doug Jones, Permit Manager Karen Phillips, Planning & Zoning officer Mark Doering, and Engineering official Ben Mehmen, all played an incredible role in helping to expedite the construction process. I believe that the city of Lakewood understands the important civic role Colorado Academy plays in our community. True, we are a private school. But, we are one that has a public purpose. We are an inclusive community that encourages student outreach and positive work in the community. We educate leaders who will make a difference in society. The kind of learning that will take place here will create the kind of innovative leaders that the state of Colorado will need in the future. Students, the work of the city of Lakewood was done with you in mind and the promise that you hold for our future.
Early in the process, our Board of Trustees identified an architectural firm with the kind of vision that would make this building different. In Brian Klipp, we have a true visionary. Joined by his colleagues Mark Bourne, Maria Cole, and Vickki Arnouts, Klipp Architects came up with a design that is truly inspiring. We wanted a space that encouraged collaboration and interaction. We wanted a space that would allow us to go deeper into understanding the humanities, the arts, science, and math. We wanted a building that modeled environmental sustainability. Brian, you and your team have outdone yourselves--it is an incredible space and will help ensure that Colorado Academy fulfills its mission into the future.
Early last year, we sought out the best general contractor, and Fransen Pittman quickly demonstrated they would be able to get the job done on our timeline and within our budget. John Pittman, Jim Andrews, Tim Campbell, and Keith Vaughn worked with us. Students, as you enter into the professional world, you will hear lots of presentations about prospective projects. Most will sound great, and it's often hard to determine who has authenticity and who will actually get the work done. I vividly remember our initial meeting with Fransen Pittman and the straightforward way Building Supervisor Tim Campbell described how he would get a 44,000 square-foot building done in 7 months. He, along with the entire Fransen Pittman team, have brought integrity to this process as they have constructed a building that will be here for the long term. They did it with an impeccable safety record and worked constantly as our advocates. And they maintained their record of having built many of the recent buildings here on campus.
Finally, there was an entire team of CA people who were critical. I'd like to acknowledge and recognize the important role of the Board of Trustees -- both past and present members—many of whom are here today, and each who helped refine the vision and strategy. All our board members contributed in significant ways to the creation of the vision and the construction process. In particular, I would like to acknowledge current Board Chair John Fenley with whom I worked closely to see the project through. John, thank you for your support, counsel, and active engagement -- you put the school first, and I am forever grateful.
Another key board member who deserves recognition is Building and Grounds Chair, Peter Culshaw. Peter was involved in this process with the beginning providing critical oversight and vision. There is no person better at helping protect the school and looking out for our long-term interest than this man. He brought with his service a tremendous sense of humor and patience and steady trust in our ability to get this done. Peter, thank you for all your support.
I also want to recognize the incredible job our development team, led by Bob Schmitz, did in organizing a capital campaign that raised $11 million in seven months. Renee Rockford, our communications director, played an integral role in communicating our vision and updating our community as to our progress. Our Business Manager and CFO Alanna Brown has been an important person supervising the budget and keeping this project on track in a number of important ways. I also want to recognize Jesse Schumacher, our Director of Operations, for his role as representing the school in this process. Jesse has played a key role behind the scenes to help create a sustainable, first-class building. I want to thank Jon Vogels, our upper school principal, for his vision and engagement. Jon has been there at nearly every step of construction and design, working with faculty to explore all the possibilities and opportunities that this space has to offer. Finally I want to thank the faculty and the students for your patience and support. We started out the year in a temporary space. You did your best and made it work, but now it is time for better living and a permanent home. As you can see, we built the future now in this campaign. It did not come easily, but we are here and ready to open the doors.
After we have cut the ribbon, as the first graduating class to be in this new structure, The Class of 2013 will enter the building first. Let me also remind you of a new CA tradition: As you enter the building, you will see the CA emblem embedded in the floor of the entryway. Students, you may have heard Dr. Vogels inviting you earlier to be a part of this, and out of respect for the school, this new building and all the people here today who have worked on your behalf, please do not walk on the CA shield. So, I invite Lakewood Mayor Bob Murphy, our current board of trustees, Brian Klipp, Jim Andrews, and Jon Vogels to join me in cutting the ribbon… let's grab our scissors...
Back
Today, we welcome our students and faculty, friends, donors and parents, board members, civic officials, architects and contractors, school administrators and former and long-time Head of School Chuck Froelicher. I am so pleased you are all able to join us today. Mr. Froelicher sent me an email wishing us well on this day, and he remembered the opening of the previous Upper School in 1964. The school had invited Johns Hopkins President Milton Eisenhower (brother of President Ike) and Governor John Love. It was set to be a great and perfect day. Then, 48 hours before the dedication, Mr. Froelicher, who was living in the Welborn House, woke up at 1:00 a.m. to see an old army barrack that housed the arts department on fire about two hundred yards to the east of his home. Chuck rushed over to find the kayak coach and history instructor throwing kayaks out of the second floor onto the grass. They saved every kayak, no one got hurt, but the building burned to the ground. The event of the dedication went great. Dr. Eisenhower was so impressed, he joined the board of trustees as an Eastern Regional representative, and, as Chuck notes, had perfect attendance never attending a meeting.
Just as the dedication of the Knowles building in 1964 signaled a shift in the school’s growth – away from educational classes taught in World War II era Army barracks – our move into the new Upper School shows the school embracing new approaches. Be sure to check out the Innovation Lab on the far southeast corner of the building and you will get a sense of the great things to come.
We’re delighted to be opening this building ON TIME- it is exciting. Today, we move in, and students will spend the afternoon finding their way around. Certainly, in the weeks and months ahead as we live in this space, we will be shaped by it and give it life and form. As you walk in, you will see student art on the walls and this will be a place that will showcase our creativity. It will be exciting and a unique opportunity for all of us.
Anytime we gather as a school community, I think it is important that we frame our conversations around a learning experience. Students, I hope, in some very brief remarks, that I can impart something for each of you. I know you are anxious to get into the space, find your lockers and look around. But, allow me a moment to offer something of a lesson here.
If you followed the news at all over winter break, you were a witness to just one example of how tough it has become in this country for people to work together. But I offer as a different example the building you see behind me. A project like this takes an incredible amount of collaboration and conversation among many, many people. It takes all the people here coming together to share insights and ideas.
In 2011, we decided that we needed an updated space to better support the instruction in 21st century skills at CA -- a building that would provide a world-class environment for furthering students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We wanted a building that would allow Colorado Academy to be a true leader in independent school education.
We wanted a space that would be more reflective of the academic excellence that has always been an integral part of the CA experience. We began with two major donors who propelled us forward, and we were fortunate that others rose up quickly to meet this challenge. Within seven months, we had secured the funding to go forth with construction. And we took on another 7-month timeline in which to complete construction. I am so grateful for the support of our donor community, and I thank you for your trust in Colorado Academy.
To construct a building of this magnitude in just over half a year is nothing short of remarkable. It required incredible planning and engagement by a multitude of people -- many of whom are not directly connected to Colorado Academy. As I share this story, it's important to acknowledge many honored guests here today who have made this building possible. It could not have happened without the support from the City of Lakewood. Mayor Bob Murphy and City Manager Kathy Hodgson met with us early. Their staff: Chief Building Official Bill Clayton, Plans Examiner Doug Jones, Permit Manager Karen Phillips, Planning & Zoning officer Mark Doering, and Engineering official Ben Mehmen, all played an incredible role in helping to expedite the construction process. I believe that the city of Lakewood understands the important civic role Colorado Academy plays in our community. True, we are a private school. But, we are one that has a public purpose. We are an inclusive community that encourages student outreach and positive work in the community. We educate leaders who will make a difference in society. The kind of learning that will take place here will create the kind of innovative leaders that the state of Colorado will need in the future. Students, the work of the city of Lakewood was done with you in mind and the promise that you hold for our future.
Early in the process, our Board of Trustees identified an architectural firm with the kind of vision that would make this building different. In Brian Klipp, we have a true visionary. Joined by his colleagues Mark Bourne, Maria Cole, and Vickki Arnouts, Klipp Architects came up with a design that is truly inspiring. We wanted a space that encouraged collaboration and interaction. We wanted a space that would allow us to go deeper into understanding the humanities, the arts, science, and math. We wanted a building that modeled environmental sustainability. Brian, you and your team have outdone yourselves--it is an incredible space and will help ensure that Colorado Academy fulfills its mission into the future.
Early last year, we sought out the best general contractor, and Fransen Pittman quickly demonstrated they would be able to get the job done on our timeline and within our budget. John Pittman, Jim Andrews, Tim Campbell, and Keith Vaughn worked with us. Students, as you enter into the professional world, you will hear lots of presentations about prospective projects. Most will sound great, and it's often hard to determine who has authenticity and who will actually get the work done. I vividly remember our initial meeting with Fransen Pittman and the straightforward way Building Supervisor Tim Campbell described how he would get a 44,000 square-foot building done in 7 months. He, along with the entire Fransen Pittman team, have brought integrity to this process as they have constructed a building that will be here for the long term. They did it with an impeccable safety record and worked constantly as our advocates. And they maintained their record of having built many of the recent buildings here on campus.
Finally, there was an entire team of CA people who were critical. I'd like to acknowledge and recognize the important role of the Board of Trustees -- both past and present members—many of whom are here today, and each who helped refine the vision and strategy. All our board members contributed in significant ways to the creation of the vision and the construction process. In particular, I would like to acknowledge current Board Chair John Fenley with whom I worked closely to see the project through. John, thank you for your support, counsel, and active engagement -- you put the school first, and I am forever grateful.
Another key board member who deserves recognition is Building and Grounds Chair, Peter Culshaw. Peter was involved in this process with the beginning providing critical oversight and vision. There is no person better at helping protect the school and looking out for our long-term interest than this man. He brought with his service a tremendous sense of humor and patience and steady trust in our ability to get this done. Peter, thank you for all your support.
I also want to recognize the incredible job our development team, led by Bob Schmitz, did in organizing a capital campaign that raised $11 million in seven months. Renee Rockford, our communications director, played an integral role in communicating our vision and updating our community as to our progress. Our Business Manager and CFO Alanna Brown has been an important person supervising the budget and keeping this project on track in a number of important ways. I also want to recognize Jesse Schumacher, our Director of Operations, for his role as representing the school in this process. Jesse has played a key role behind the scenes to help create a sustainable, first-class building. I want to thank Jon Vogels, our upper school principal, for his vision and engagement. Jon has been there at nearly every step of construction and design, working with faculty to explore all the possibilities and opportunities that this space has to offer. Finally I want to thank the faculty and the students for your patience and support. We started out the year in a temporary space. You did your best and made it work, but now it is time for better living and a permanent home. As you can see, we built the future now in this campaign. It did not come easily, but we are here and ready to open the doors.
After we have cut the ribbon, as the first graduating class to be in this new structure, The Class of 2013 will enter the building first. Let me also remind you of a new CA tradition: As you enter the building, you will see the CA emblem embedded in the floor of the entryway. Students, you may have heard Dr. Vogels inviting you earlier to be a part of this, and out of respect for the school, this new building and all the people here today who have worked on your behalf, please do not walk on the CA shield. So, I invite Lakewood Mayor Bob Murphy, our current board of trustees, Brian Klipp, Jim Andrews, and Jon Vogels to join me in cutting the ribbon… let's grab our scissors...
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